Ok, that's enough about Suppan. Cheer up, everyone, it's a Yovani-day!
Still looking for their first series win of the season, the Brewers open up a three game set tonight with the Reds, who split two games with the Pirates over the weekend.
For the Reds, Edinson Volquez will take the mound. He got off to a rough start in 2009, allowing six runs in 4.1 innings last time out. He was excellent in 2009, though, posting a 17-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in 196 innings. That performance was enough to earn him a fourth place finish in the voting for NL Rookie of the Year even though he wasn't eligible to win the award. Volquez, though, struggled with Jason Kendall last season: Kendall only had 34 extra base hits and two home runs all year, but two of those extra base hits, including one home run, were hit in seven at bats against Volquez.
Across the diamond, Yovani Gallardo is getting ready for his second start. He has one win and one home run in 2009, singlehandedly powering the Brewers to victory last Wednesday. In 2008 he made one start against the Reds and received a no decision, allowing a run on four hits in seven innings. Only three current Red position players have ever faced him (Edwin Encarnacion, Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto), and they're a combined 2-for-15. And, of course, he's tied for second on the Brewers in home runs.
Monday's Game Thread is now open.